Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)

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In the final episode of my first Season, I interview Kaitlin Smith, MSW, Founder of Our Wild Minds. We talk about her work creating an amazing community for gifted BIPOC adults. Kaitlin shares her story, including the challenges of facing racism, sexism and mysogyny that created a significant misalignment with colleagues within her preparations to become a psychotherapist. She talks about how these factors influenced her decision to move away from psychotherapy and into the work she's currently pursuing that has even further implications for communities she cares about.

This is an in-depth conversation that covers many areas, including how acorns can help us fight systems of oppession and bring us closer to Octavia Butler. We also talk about topics like the power of recognizing our place within the ecosystem as more than "apex predator". In this conversation, we challenge stereotypes and shift perspectives, discuss discovering a connection to nature, investigate the power of possibility and wonder, as well as the importance of building capacity for giftedness and other neurodivergent experiences.

Key Topics:

• The impact of racism, sexism and misogyny in the field of psychotherapy
• Addressing internalized racism and assumptions is crucial for creating inclusive spaces for gifted individuals and the broader society
• The benefits of connecting with nature, including access to holistic and affordable food and medicine
• How embracing possibility and wonder can lead to personal growth and the pursuit of ambitious goals, but it may also present challenges in a world that often values conformity.

Connect with Kaitlin Smith:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourwildminds/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/our.wildminds/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaitlinsm1th
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlinnoelsmith/

Helpful Links:

• Community for Black/BIPOC Gifted Adults - Our Wild Minds
• Brilliant Article "Acorns and Octavia" by Kaitlin Smith
• "What the Robin Knows" book by Jon Young
• Bloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook Group
• Umbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacy
• Neurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook Group
• Submit your Questions or Misunderstood Insights

Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore

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